A DEFENCE minister got a close-up look at a new Chinook during a visit to RAF Odiham.

Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, was at the north Hampshire airbase last Thursday.

He was briefed on the performance of the new Mk6 Chinooks, which are being delivered as part of a £1billion package to improve the fleet of heavy lift helicopters.

Six of the new aircraft have already been delivered, and the remaining eight will be delivered by the end of this year, and fully operational by early 2017. It will bring the total number of Chinooks to 60, securing the future of the RAF base.

Mr Dunne said: “I was pleased to have the opportunity to thank RAF commanders and crew for the enduring work they have undertaken in various theatres.

“I was also encouraged to see the improvements to flight safety, mission capability and versatility that the platform upgrades have introduced, on time and on budget, for service with the RAF for decades to come.”

Group Captain Richard Maddison, station commander, said: “It has been an utmost pleasure to host the visit today and to demonstrate the versatility and capability RAF Odiham’s personnel and equipment can offer.”

He added: “The growing and modernising of the Chinook force will ensure that RAF Odiham continues to be the mainstay of UK Support Helicopter capability.”